Inmate ‘forced to pray to Scooby Doo’

London - A prison inmate was forced by warders to pray in front of a shrine to Scooby Doo, it was claimed yesterday.

The bizarre incident is said to have happened after officers built a makeshift altar carrying a model of the cartoon character.

Staff reportedly tried to humiliate the prisoner by making him kneel in front of the toy and hold his hands out in worship.

And in a separate incident at the same prison two officers have been suspended for racism after monkey noises were allegedly made at an inmate.

Bosses at HMP Holme House, Teesside, a Category B men’s prison, have launched an inquiry into the incidents.

Terry Fullerton, from the Prison Officers’ Association, described the incident as ‘worrying’ and added: ‘I’m not aware of these matters, but I’m gob-smacked if it is right.’ The incident is the latest in a number of disciplinary probes at the prison.

This week it was revealed that a female warder at the prison was accused of having an improper relationship with an inmate.

The 45-year-old woman was suspended but will not face charges.

On Friday, a female officer from another prison will be sentenced in court after having an affair with an inmate at Holme House.

Rebecca King, 32, admitted misconduct in a public office and money laundering offences after her relationship with a convicted drug dealer came to light. - Daily Mail

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